Governance
In the campaign trail she has as her battle cry “Malayang Isabela” which she later adapted as her slogan for governance, this time expanded with thrust towards change and progress “Bagong Kultura, Kaunlaran Ng Bawat Isa.” This is a campaign not only directed in her seat of government but in all areas of public service in the province. This is a quest for good governance where internal change plays a crucial role in instilling reforms.
Governor Grace to emphasize her point has took the campaign against jueteng as the pivotal point where change as to begin. She organized an Anti-Jueteng Task Force and rallied every sector to support her. For her this fight is the very symbol of the change she has to instill in the hearts of every Isabelino. Clearly jueteng is one of the very root causes of corruption. In her Ulat sa Bayan she emphasized that corruption remains to be the greatest enemy because it penalizes the poor.
As Alan Sipress of Washington Post writes, “Padaca admitted that winning may prove easier than governing…but she said she is tougher than most in the province imagine. “My weakness is my strength. My opponents underestimate me and do not know what hit them.” I tell people, “don’t take pity on me. II can take care of myself. Take pity on yourselves. You are still poor after 40 years of this dynasty. You do not have to be imprisoned all your lives.”
Mabuhay ang malayang Isabela!
